When people think of social media, they tend to think first of social-networking sites, like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. The user creates a profile, builds connections to a network of others, and then posts and views content within that network. The definition of social media is, in fact, broader: online applications that help users share content and collaborate with one another, whether on a game, a work assignment, or a collaborative document like Wikipedia. For HR professionals, those purposes are relevant for networks within the profession, within their organization, and beyond. For protessional networking, HR professionals can participate in social-networking sites like Linkedin, where there are groups devoted to the profession. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) also has a social-networking group for its members. Some professionals have set up open-source collaborations on sites like HR Open Source and Google's re:Work. Participants can share creations such as sample documents and stories of successful projects, and others can use these to create plans at their own organization. Users must be careful not to post confidential information on an open-source site. Within organizations, social-media tools are a practical way to communicate with employees. The company may provide a social-networking application or project management system for employees to collaborate on projects and share ideas. Users can search for inside experts to join a team, serve as a mentor, or answer a question. The HR department can post or text announcements and reminders, such as the enrollment period for employee benefits or a link to a new training program. Beyond the organization, HR departments want to present a favorable image of the company to possible future employees. One way to do this is with a blog that features stories about the organization's values, projects, and employees. Many organizations participate in industry- or career-related social-networking sites. They also use content-sharing sites like YouTube and SlideShare to post rich media such as videos. 1. Of the social-media applications described here, which, if any, have you already used? On which, if any, have you observed messages from employers or co-workers? 2. Based on the descriptions here and your experiences with social media, briefly describe one way the use of social media might help you stat or advance your career